The Housing First approach offers a real second chance for young people as well
Housing for Young People
From an influencer protest to a comprehensive program for young people leaving state care
Housing First program for young people leaving care
The Youth Housing Program supports young people who have previously been in state care, based on the Housing First approach. Currently, a total of 16 individuals participate in the program across 12 households, and this year one or two additional young people may join. Intensive social work is an essential element of the Housing First program. At the beginning, the focus of social work is on building trust, managing tasks related to moving, and handling housing-related administration. We work closely with participants to help them see their apartments as real homes, to establish a sense of security, and to move beyond stabilisation towards planning for the future and taking steps toward their goals. Through intensive social work, we also provide support in areas such as healthcare, education, employment, obtaining a driving licence, and, when necessary, financial support for healthcare costs, studies, or psychological assistance.
Results in numbers and stories
Our achievements so far
Our story
How the program was created
It started as a solidarity protest and grew into a nationwide initiative and a comprehensive program. In February 2024, the organisers of the protest “There are monsters out there now” initiated a campaign to raise 25 million HUF to provide housing for a young person who had previously been in state care, with the professional support of the From Streets to Homes Association. The initiative exceeded all expectations, and with contributions from 23,000 donors, more than 219 million HUF was raised in a dedicated bank account. As a result, far more young people can now be supported in starting their independent lives based on the Housing First approach than originally planned.
How do we help?
The role of social work
Our social workers provide personalised and continuous support to help young people overcome their difficulties and achieve their individual goals. For example, they assist with arranging social security, accessing healthcare, exploring further education opportunities, and obtaining a driving licence. During administrative processes, the main goal is not simply to “get things done”, but to ensure that the client is actively involved, so that next time they can manage their own essential matters independently. This is the path to social integration. As these skills and competences develop, the focus can shift towards personal growth, such as long-term rehabilitation, completing education, or reconnecting with and strengthening relationships with family members or other natural support networks.
The social work team places strong emphasis on professional development, with a particular focus on expanding knowledge related to trauma and abuse.
How do we help?
Our results
We work in partnership with our clients: after creating a sense of safety, we support them in defining and achieving their own goals, as well as becoming independent. At the same time, young people leaving state care start from a position of significant disadvantage. We are proud of every achievement:
- three participants started driver’s licence training, and one has already obtained it
- one of our clients enrolled in a secondary education program leading to a school-leaving certificate
- several participants are in stable employment and engage in sports
- multiple clients are currently undergoing medical assessments and treatment
- several have gone through crises but are now stabilising in different areas of their lives
Would you like to help?
How you can support us
The program is currently funded until the end of 2026, so its continued operation primarily depends on financial support. In addition, we are looking for partners who would collaborate with us at a reduced rate or on a pro bono basis:
- psychologists or psychiatrists
- addiction specialists
- dentists
- legal professionals
- driving instructors
